Onions are a common ingredient in many dishes and cuisines, but they are not safe for dogs to consume. Onions and related foods like garlic and shallots contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues, red blood cell damage, and other health problems.
Why are onions bad for dogs?
The main culprit in onions that makes them harmful to dogs is a substance called N-propyl disulfide, which can harm red blood cells and cause anemia. Anemia is a condition where the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, increased thirst, and jaundice.
N-propyl disulfide can also interfere with the enzyme that helps dogs metabolize acetaminophen, a common painkiller. This can increase the risk of acetaminophen toxicity, which can cause liver failure and death. Therefore, dogs that have ingested onions should not be given acetaminophen or any products that contain it.
How much onion is toxic to dogs?
There is no safe amount of onion for dogs to eat, as even a small amount can be harmful. The toxicity of onion depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of the dog, the type and amount of onion, and the frequency of exposure.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the toxic dose of onion for dogs is around 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 10-kilogram dog could get sick from eating as little as 150 grams of onion, which is about one medium-sized onion. However, some dogs may be more sensitive than others, and even a lower dose could cause problems.
What types of onion are toxic to dogs?
All types of onion are toxic to dogs, regardless of their form, color, or variety. This includes raw, cooked, dried, powdered, or dehydrated onions, as well as onion-flavored foods and products. Some examples of onion-containing foods that should be avoided by dogs are:
- Soups, sauces, gravies, and dips
- Pizza, pasta, and casseroles
- Salads, sandwiches, and wraps
- Burgers, hot dogs, and sausages
- Meatloaf, meatballs, and stir-fries
- Onion rings, chips, and crackers
- Baby food, ketchup, and salsa
- Bread, biscuits, and muffins
What should I do if my dog eats onion?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten onion, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the amount and time of ingestion, your vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, or perform blood tests to assess the level of anemia and liver damage. Your dog may also need intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, or other supportive care.
How can I prevent my dog from eating onion?
The best way to prevent your dog from eating onion is to keep them out of their reach and sight. Store onions and onion-containing foods in airtight containers or in the refrigerator, and dispose of onion peels and scraps in a secure trash can.
Do not leave onion on the counter, table, or floor, and do not feed your dog any human food that may contain onion. Always check the ingredients of any food or product that you give to your dog, and avoid those that have onion or garlic in them.
Frequently Asked Question Can Dogs Eat Onions.
Can dogs eat garlic or shallots?
How can I tell if my dog has onion poisoning?
How is onion poisoning treated in dogs?
Can dogs eat cooked onion?
Can dogs eat onion-flavored foods or products?
Conclusion
Onions are not safe for dogs to eat, as they can cause serious health problems such as anemia and liver failure. All types and forms of onion are toxic to dogs, and there is no safe amount or dose.
If your dog eats onion, you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. To prevent onion poisoning, you should keep onions and onion-containing foods away from your dog and only feed them dog-appropriate food and treats.